Reports suggest that Apple is gearing up to launch AirTag 2 next year, nearly four years after the original model debuted. When it does arrive, it will carry significant expectations compared to other Apple products. Here’s why.
The New AirTag 2 Will Feature Three Major Updates
Traditionally, AirTag isn’t a device one would anticipate annual updates for, given its straightforward utility. However, after several years since its initial release, Apple seems ready to introduce notable enhancements.
As Mark Gurman notes:
the upcoming version will maintain a similar design to the current model, while providing improved range, a more robust wireless chip, and enhanced privacy measures
My focus here is on the privacy aspect, as this is a key area where Apple has significant expectations to meet with AirTag 2.
Privacy Will Be Central to AirTag 2’s Expectations
Since AirTag’s inception, there have been numerous reports of its misuse, particularly for stalking, as individuals have exploited the device to track others without their consent.
Apple has implemented measures to mitigate this issue, but there remains room for enhancement. With a hardware refresh in the works, the expectations for improvements rightfully increase.
According to Gurman, AirTag 2 will feature design changes that make it tougher to remove the speaker. This adjustment would ensure that malicious AirTags can still emit sounds, making them easier to locate.
I’m optimistic that Apple will also enhance the internal speaker’s performance, ensuring the detection signals are more audible.
The aim for AirTag 2 should be to render it as difficult as possible to misuse for stalking purposes.
Apple frequently emphasizes its commitment to user privacy. However, with the AirTag, it has inadvertently provided a tool that has become associated with serious privacy infringements.
Simply upgrading technical specifications, such as range and wireless chip capabilities, will not suffice. Apple must demonstrate it has learned from the past four years of AirTag misuse by making AirTag 2 as secure and privacy-conscious as it can be.
This will likely necessitate some hardware revisions, but I also expect software updates aimed at eradicating AirTag-related stalking incidents.
What features are you hoping to see in AirTag 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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